Posted October 12, 2019
The 20th International Youth Art Meeting
On our second day exploring Evora, we passed by the Igreja de São Francisco, a very large and imposing church adjacent to the Chapel of Bones. There were many children scattered about in front of the church working on art pieces. Kids were sitting on the stairs, in the front atrium, and even across the street in the Sao Francisco square.
I asked one young girl if she spoke English (she did), and I proceeded to get the scoop. She was about twelve years old and from Israel. Turns out all the children were competing in the 20th International Youth Art Meeting, Evora 2019. The Art Meeting brings children from all over the world, ages four through twenty, to Evora every year to create art reflecting their vision of the city of Evora.
Thirteen Participating Countries
This year the competition sponsored children from Bulgaria, China, Egypt, Slovenia, India, Israel, North Macedonia, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Turkey, and Ukraine. After the competition, the water colors, paintings, and sketches are sold to finance bringing next years crop of children to Evora to compete.
Ages Four to Twenty
I was surprised to learn that even the youngest children, as young as four year old, compete in the same category as all other ages, up to twenty year old. My Isreali friend assured me that some of the four year old artists are incredibly talented, and easily compete!
She also told me that, besides working on their piece, the artists have classes and go on tours of Evora over the course of the competition, which this year spanned October 8th to the 30th.
I was thrilled that she took the time to share with me. It shows a very special side of Evora not typically experienced by tourists like me. I treasure experiences like this when traveling.
Praca do Giraldo – Even More Artists
Early the next morning, as we walked to get breakfast, I was pleasantly surprised to see more than a dozen more young artists scattered about the picturesque Praca do Giraldo (main square), sketching in the beautiful morning light. I ordered my usual Meia de Leite and Steve his Americano, along with some tasty looking pastries, and we took a seat outside in the square.
The intensity and focus of the artists was admirable. I wish them all the best of luck in the competition, but truly feel that the experience of coming to Evora and meeting other artists from all over the world is the best reward of all.